Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin
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Thanks Wendy and Jamie! If you are interested, I posted some pics on the 'Hair, Hair, Hair' thread of my hair re-growth over the past 6 months. It is page 170 on there. Or, you might be able to click on my profile pic and then scroll down to see if it is in my recent posts.
Wendy...I am still getting hot flashes too, but I am not on Tamoxifen. They are getting fewer and farther in between though. I have not yet had my period return and it has been almost 14 months since my last one. That has been the only plus to this whole process.
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I too have hot flashes, but luckily they are mostly in the evening and at night. I am hoping early menopause continues- no periods since last July. I have a question for the Herceptin only people. Have you ever had really bad headaches following a treatment? I have had it several times now on the evening after the Hercepting infusion. But, this time they are reoccuring several days after. I am at home today from work and had to take a pain pill it was so bad. Only 1 treatment left on the 27th. I think I will ask them to give it to me slower, instead of an hour.
Thanks!
Lisa
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Swampy, I'm so sorry about your family's tragedy. There are no words I can express to make sense of it. Know that we are thinking of and praying for you all.
My second round of chemo started today. I got my PET scan results. No mets!!!!! Yay and phew! I found out I have two smaller tumors instead of one large one. That's what I thought in the beginning, but I was hearing from the docs it was one lobular mass. I don't know if 2 small is better than one large, but that's what I have. I have lymph node involvement, but I don't know how many. And they see "uptake in the superclavicular brown fat". I think that's just incidental.
Oh, my hair is gone, and I feel liberated! Life is good.
All in all, a good day today.
Dawn
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Fantastic news about no mets, Dawn! So happy for you!
Becky
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I have had Emend since the beginning-- I am lucky to have very good insurance-- and I haven't had a moment of nausea. I have had a lot of intestinal misery, and there isn't a good drug for that, but I'm grateful that I wasn't nauseous on top of everything else.
CinCan, that's so scary what you've been going through, and thank god the lump wasn't anything bad. As for the backaches and hip aches, I've had that, too, but I get them anyway from being an active 50ish person. My hips are hurting more now, and the sciatica I thought I'd beaten a couple of years ago is back, so maybe the Herceptin or something makes this stuff more likely to flare up, but it's just muscle pain and will get better.
As for Herceptin and weight gain, I'd never heard that! Although I was so worried about gaining weight on chemo, because so many women do, but I've lost about 15 pounds. I had it to lose, so that's fine with me. Anyway, the lesson is that we're all different, and you never know. Once I'm done with gut-attacking chemo and am just on Herceptin and Avastin (two more weeks!), I am determined to beef up the exercise so I don't gain back what I've lost. Of course that's easy to say now....
Hang in there, all!
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writer - I sure hope it's only muscle pain. The pain is only on my left side...hip to thigh. Hmmm...maybe it is sciatica as my left butt cheek really bothers me when I am sitting. My Onc prescribed me some Vicodin which allows me to sleep. I am set up to have a full body bone scan next Thursday. If it's nothing, at least it will give me peace of mind and I'll only have to deal with the pain. It's great that you are almost done with Chemo. I am 8 wks PFC and still having SE's. All during Chemo my nails were strong and long....now they are lifting of my nail beds and are very painful. There is new nail growth so the bottom half of my fingernail is flat/stuck on the bed and the top halves are lifted...so I keep cutting them as short as possible to keep them from ripping off. My eyelashes and eyebrows also started falling out PFC. I have no bottom eyelashes nor do I see any new growth:( Although, I do have new growth on my eyebrows. My hair is coming in all salt & pepper....funny looking, but hey it's coming!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, EVERYONE!!!!!
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CinCan: Good luck with the scan. It really does sound like sciatica to me.
Sue
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Cincan, I hope everything is good with your bone scan. At least this is not too bad except for laying still. when you are in pain that is not that easy. If you have to, take something to help with the pain while you are laying still. Is anyone going with you? I just thought I should not tell you to take something if you are driving yourself. the tech that did mine showed me what it looked like if it showed cancer. Thank goodness no cancer for me. I guess the one thing about the trial med is I had to have these tests to look for cancer and there was none, If this shows it is not cancer there are other things to do that is not pill related for sciatica. You may need to go to physical therapy. I am wishing you the best. Walking helps to get your body back in line too.
Carolyn
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Thanks Sue and Carolyn
My DH is taking me.... so, yes I will take a Vicodin before I go. Thanks for the advice. What a tremendous relief for you to find out there was no cancer in your bone scan...such great news!!!!!
I trying to be very positive and hoping for the same:)
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Life Goes On
Good Morning Beloveds!
Thus far, 2010 has been defined by 3 significant things:
1. Tragic Endings
2. Beautiful Beginnings
3. Cautious ContinuationsI have heard about, read about, and experienced just about all the unexpected, unexplained death of young healthy people I can stand! As someone whom breast cancer SHOULD have taken OUT OF HERE, I just cannot fathom why it was them, and not me. I can only trust God and His infinite wisdom, and give thanks for every day, every moment, and know that it is by GRACE and no amount of GREATNESS on MY PART, that I awaken each day with new opportunities to try and get it right, again.
And I can barely number the babies that are being born to my family and friends! I can barely keep up! It just reminds me that God is not through with us, as humanity, just yet, and through this infusion of NEW LIFE, the WORLD has the opportunity to get it right, again.
My last formal treatment for breast cancer was on April 2nd, the day before my 40th birthday. While I should have felt the liberating sensation of being "set free" I did not. I feel confused, a little scared, and guilty for longing for more doctor appointments, scans, life-saving treatments, and hugs from my chemo nurses. Having to navigate the "new normal" sucks and I'm not sure I'm getting it right.
So it is with caution I put one (unswollen) foot in front of the other and try to simply live one day at a time, and put fears of the future to rest. I'm starting to feel and really pay attention to the amount of stress and battering my body has taken over the last year. I feel fat. Like an obese sea cow with the mumps! LOL!!! And although everyone else marvels at my hair, I'm not happy with it. Grateful for what I have, but not happy.
I am looking forward to my reconstructive surgery in August! Tissue and fat from my abdomen will be taken and turned into a new set of size B-cup breasts for me! And then I will get a tummy tuck to close up the area they took the tissue/fat from. I won't be able to stand myself! A flat tummy and a set of perky B's (good luck trying to find me!) Yes, I deserve this! It will be a 12-14 hour surgery, but I'm mentally preparing myself!
I'm happy to report that The Great Church Search 2010 has ended! I have found a new church home and am looking forward to fully utilizing my talents in new and unique ways there and continuing to grow in Christ! The church is young and growing, and the church leadership takes a sincere and active role in caring for the congregation. It's where God wants me to be, and where I need to be.
So, as time moves forward, I'm starting to gradually replace and renew the things that cancer stole from me, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It's slow work.
I just continually ask for your prayers and support as I wander about this land called The New Normal.
Scootin' Along,
Alaina
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Alaina -- your post is an inspiration. And I totally empathize with the sea cow with mumps feeling. Only 2 more full rounds for me, then finish with a year of Herceptin.
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Alaina and Frosty1, I understand all the feelings you are going through and I am not going to say the fear will go away because it won't or at least it has not for me. It may become less but then every time you hear of someone else losing to this dreadful disease you will worry again. God does have plans for us and I decided I would just let it be and not push too much. I am happy things are moving along for you 2. what else can we do. We may get hit by a truck or lightning so who knows and we may live to be 100. Live Love and Hope. Pray for yourself and others.
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Alaina - AMEN!
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Hi All,
This is my 1st post. I have just recently been diagnosed and will be starting TCH treatments June 1st. Between now and then I have a PET scan and MUGA scheduled, and will be getting my port put in. No need to tell you guys how scary this is. I am so glad that I found this forum, you all have answered all the questions that I had thought of, and many, many more that I had not thought of. Thanks to all of you who have shared so much - it is so helpful and inspiring to those of us who are walking into the huge unknown. Prayers and well wishes are with each one of you as you go through your own personal battle!
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Alaina.......it is always so inspiring to read your posts. You have such a way with words and are a great writer... and always find the humor in things. We have all had our share of things happen haven't we.
I am doing fine, I am 3 weeks out from my tissue expander replacement surgery and all seems fine. Right now my concern is for my dad, he is dying from Parkinsons disease. He is in hospice care now and all treatments have been stopped, so it is a matter of hours or days, I don't know. He can't swallow, he is unable to open his eyes, we think he can hear us, but don't know if he understands us. It is very sad. Anyway , just thought I'd share with you all, because you are my friends.
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Mel Mel....Welcome and sorry we had to meet this way. Yes, this thread is very informative and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Cake Lady...I am so sorry to learn about your Dad. I will keep you both in my prayers.
Last night I participated in my local Relay for Life. I walked the Survivor's lap and then was a torch bearer for the opening ceremony. It was an emotional experience and an honor to carry the torch. I have pics posted on my Facebook page.
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Melmel10, I was where you are 2 years ago. I found my cancer in Dec 2007 but put off going in to have a mamo until May because we had so much going on. I am glad you are getting treatment. I had my surgery June 10 ( a lumpectomy) and had my port put in June 30. I started chemo in July. It was a long 6 months but then it seems now it went by so fast. I finished Herceptin in July of 2009. I did try to do a trial med but just could not take it. I hope everything goes great for you. remember the nurses are there for you and if you need anything call them. We can give you support but not meds. I am glad you are getting a port. I could not have made it without mine. I had to have blood transfusions and they could use it for that plus when I got dehydrated I got fluids through that also. It is still with me and onc said indefinately but I guess I can live with that. Most get theirs out though and most don't have the problems I have had. I am hoping you are one of the ones that breeze through it. You can do this! We did and it may not be the thing we wanted to do but now it is to be done so hang on and hang in there. Ask questions here, rant when you need too. someone else has been through what you are going through.
Cakelady, I am so sorry for your Dad. I know it is hard. You will be in my mind and prayers.
Carolyn
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CCbaby, I am happy for you getting to participate in the Relay for Life. I got an invitation from the hospital I go to for cancer treatment for a survivor lunch. I can't go! I am not sure why I just don't feel like a survivor yet. when I get to where I don't have to have shots for my blood count and are still up there every 3 weeks and still have my port I don't feel like a survivor. I am happy for those who have moved on to a new normal. I hope some day I will feel like I can move on. I do work now and do a lot of things I used.
Carolyn
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Alaina-Thanks for such a great post. It really is all about One day at a Time. It does make life more manageable.
MelMel10-You are at what was the hardest and scariest part of my journey. Once I got all the facts, and had my game plan in place, the fear really lightened my load. fwiw-I will be finished my tch on 05/28 and I can't believe how fast it went by. And, the chemo was as bad as i thought it would be. This is a great place for comfort and help.
Cakelady-So sorry that you are having to go through this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
As for me, I am doing pretty well. Excited to be on the last leg of the icky chemo journey. I am in a study where I will still be receiving Avastin along with my herceptin until Feb. I am a little worried about what the Avastin will be like. My onc says it is a walk in the park compared to TC, but if I feel it is at all a problem, I will step out of the study.
Anyway, hope you are all having a nice weekend.
V
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MelMel10 - We are here to help you through your BC journey...this thread really helped me get through the toughest leg...Chemo. I'm currently having Radiation, 18 down 13 to go, and Naked Herceptin through December.
Cakelady - So sorry to hear about your dad...prayers to you and your family!
ccbaby - What an honor...you are so deserving!
vmarie - Good luck on your last chemo treatment...drink lots and lots of water and then some more. Get plenty of rest, take your meds on time, and try and keep food in your stomach. The last was the worst for me....it really kicked my butt.
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MelMel welcome to the club none of us want to join! There is a wealth of info here to make this as easy as possible.
CakeLady You and your family will be in my prayers. So sorry you also have this to deal with!
ccbaby That is so awesome! My local relay is this coming Friday, and I will also be walking in the survivor lap. It really is a great event!
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MelMel, I have the exact same diagnosis as you, and am a few months ahead of you, so feel free to ask questions or PM me if you want to go in-depth on anything. I have my 6th and final TCH on 5/25, and will be continuing the Herceptin and Avastin (I'm also part of the study that vmarie is doing) until next February. While chemo has not been fun, I'm surprised how the time has flown by. It helps that I have a junior in high school-- life with teenagers races by-- and my own busniess. Even though keeping my business going through this has been stressful, it has made the time fly by.
vmarie, I thought you were already getting the Avastin? I've had it from the beginning. It will be interesting to see what SE I have once the T & C stop. I think all I have from Avastin is the bleeding thing-- mostly a semi-permanent low-grade nosebleed, but it's not too much of a bother.
Gorgeous day today in L.A, and a I had a good 5-mile walk, helped make up for my less-active week last week. Still having intestinal issues-- they lasted longer after #4 and much longer after #5-- but they're not limiting me much. We got to go to the Hollywood Bowl last night to Geezerpalooza, aka the Carole King and James Taylor concert-- they're headed off on a nationwide tour, and all you boomers should go see them. They were great, and she in particular was fantastic. I can only hope to look so fantastic and energetic at 68!
Colleen
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writer-I, like you have been getting the Avastin from the beginning. Just worried about what my side effects will be like once the TC are done. Ya know what i mean?
Sounds like you had fun this weekend! Glad to hear you are feeling a bit better.
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Thanks so much everyone! Any of you that have a Facebook page and would like to be friends, just send me a PM.
gramma...This is what I learned at the relay from a fellow Survivor who is stage 4 and was told he had 3 months to live 4 years ago! EVERY day a person lives past their diagnosis of cancer, they have survived another day and they are a Survivor... So, YOU are a Survivor!!
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Alaina, I just love reading your posts! You have the most upbeat attitude of anyone on here I think. I'm getting close to the end and find I don't check the boards nearly as often as I used to. Then when I do get on I'm way behind and feel like there are too many things I want to respond to. Wendy, I am so sorry to hear about your father. You are in my prayers.
I have two more herceptins to go--one tomorrow and one June 7th. I made my port removal appointment the onther day for June 9th. It's hard to believe it's almost been a year since my first TCH. MelMel, it will go by quicker than you think. The anticipation is probably the worst part. If you have time, go back to the beginning of this thread and read it like a novel. It's amazing. There are some really incredible women and stories!
Everyone have a great week!
Becky
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hello all;
Ive been reading all post, and re:aching pains form waist down i need to ask the following;
I finished tch in march09 i have been exp real bad aches and pains, alot like what most of you wrote about. There are days where my legs hurt so bad that I dont want to move, I started walking and it helps a bit.I had a bone scan and catscan and thankfully all came back negative. i asked my onc and he said that i shouldnt be exp these aches that it doesnt usually happen with this chemo regimin, but then I read all your post and I dont feel sooo bad because alot of you are exp this as well. my onc said i should take advil for pain. I wondering what you ladies are doing to get relief. I can totally relate to feeling like 90! The aches are soo bad that I at times need to take baby steps in order to pick up normal walking pace! Unreal!!! Any suggestions would be great! And to all, every day past our diagnose , means we are SURVIVORS!!!
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Thanks everyone for your prayers about my dad, he is still hanging on, but he didn't want to live like this so I hope for his sake, it happens soon. He is comfortable at least.
Christy, how great about the relay for life.
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nanadada - I finished TCH in June 09. I had continuous aches until after finished Herceptin the first week of March 2010. Shortly after I finished Herceptin my achiness reduced remarkably; I was pain free unless I tried to make my out of shape body do something. However, now that I am once again spending my weekends in the garden, usually 6 hours a day, my body is no longer pain free. My aches feel more like joint aches, not muscle aches. When it gets really bad, I have take Advil.
Christy - You, your dad, and family are in my prayers.
MelMel10 - Hang in there. Honestly, the time passes quickly. My personal experience was that my memories of it all faded very quickly. If you think that you may want to revisit the experience at a later date, I suggest you keep a journal.
Alaina - I am so with you on the hair thing! Of course I am glad that my hair grew back my natural color and filled in evenly, but I have crazy, curly hair and I am not pleased with the way it looks. I just keep hoping that the longer it gets the better it will look. My husband, on the other hand, absolutely loves the way my hair looks!
gramma/Carolyn - Oh my stars! You are definitely a survivor. You may not be over the effects of the treatments, but you are a survivor!
To all of my Survivor Sisters - I am sending us all prayers of health, love, joy, and spiritual well-being.
Cheers!
Cloud
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NanaDada/Rose: How are your rads going? I thought you were going to post on the April rads thread. I only have 3 to go!!! but have had skin breakdown under the boob in the crease - very yukky.
My aches are improving. I've started taking liquid fish oil and glucosamine. My knees are still shot though - only knee replacements will fix them. I also put my back out so that has hidden any other pain. The physio has worked his magic and it feels great now.
Hope you are well in spite of the aches. How is your hair regrowth going? I'm slowly getting coverage but it's not for public consumption yet.
Sue
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Suepen-glad that your back pain is feeling better. I have a quick question for you. i know that you didn't loose all the hair on your head. Just curious as to whether or not you lost your eyebrows and eyelashes?
V
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